What is...Precarity in Academia? - Exploring Migrant Academics' Narratives

This episode explores the experiences of migrant academics. We are joined by Olga Burlyuk (University of Amsterdam) and Ladan Rahbari (University of Amsterdam), editors of "Migrant Academics’ Narratives of Precarity and Resilience in Europe" (2023, Open Book Publishers) who have curated this essential collection of narratives by migrant academics. In conversation with host Polly Pallister-Wilkins, they tease out the multifaceted experiences of migrant academics, shedding light on various forms of precarity. From challenging hiring practices and systemic sexism and racism to economic disadvantages and the often 'culturally accepted' yet problematic divisions of labour within academic spaces, these narratives are both eye-opening and crucial for the academic community.

In their own words, Olga Burlyuk and Ladan Rahbari emphasize the importance of recognizing that academia, despite its status and prestige, is not immune to precarity. They remind us of the systemic power imbalances that permeate all social strata, including the academic environment. Don't miss this wake-up call for academia to strive for a more just and inclusive space.

Dr. Olga Burlyuk

Dr. Ladan Rabhari

Burlyuk, Olga and Ladan Rahbari (editors) (2023): Migrant Academics’ Narratives of Precarity and Resilience in Europe. Cambridge, Open Book Publishers. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0331. Free ebook available.